LX J201 Concept Turns LX Into a Rally SUV
Lexus creates a hardcore off-road version of the LX that's specifically designed to dominate the dirt.
Amazing Rig
As most already know, the Lexus LX is essentially a rough-and-tumble Toyota Land Cruiser in a suit. That means it has plenty of off-road potential already baked in. But you rarely see modified LX examples prepared for extra hardcore off-road journies, however, Lexus has created a new one dubbed the J201. And it's just as amazing as we would have imagined it would be.
Photos: Lexus
Carefully Curated
The name J201 was taken directly from the LX's internal chassis and platform code - URJ201. And it's been fitted with a carefully curated list of parts and accessories so that virtually anyone could replicate it with ease. The whole thing was then put together by Expedition Overland with an eye on competing at the 2020 Rebelle Rally.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
Add Ons
Up front, the J201 features the requisite winch and light bar, which aim to help with visibility during night driving and rescuing the rig from certain doom should it get stuck somewhere. Meanwhile, a snorkel allows it to ford deep waters while running boards make ingress and egress easier while also protecting the undersides.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
Properly Equipped
The giant roof rack greatly expands storage space and can be accessed using a rear-mounted ladder. Meanwhile, the beefy rear bumper features a pair of swing-out racks that carry fuel and the spare tire, two very necessary things when traversing rough terrain for long periods of time.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
Lots of Protection
Any serious off-road vehicle needs lots of protection, and the J201 has that in spades. It utilizes skid plates underneath to protect the SUV's mechanicals, while a lifted suspension keeps them further away from things like jagged rocks. The big 'ute rolls on 17-inch wheels and 33-inch General Grabber X3 tires, and even has an onboard compressor if the driver needs to refill after airing them down.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
More Power
If all of that isn't enough, the J201 has also been treated to some serious mechanical modifications. The biggest of which is a Magnusson supercharger, which helps the LX's 5.7-liter V8 produce 550 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, a healthy increase from the stock rating of 383 hp and 403 lb-ft.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
Just a Concept?
While we'd love to see the J201 make it to production, that's obviously not very likely to happen. The LX is already a fairly low-volume seller, and it's due for replacement soon. Plus, it's hard to say how many people would actually buy one. But you can bet that we'd be scrapping together our pennies if they did.
Photos: Lexus
>>Join the conversation about the LX J201 Concept right here in Club Lexus.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.